Chapter 33: Trading With Tuskens
Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay. Usually trying to get this story's chapters out by Wednesday night these days but been distracted. Will hopefully be back to normal next week. Hope you enjoy this latest one.
They escorted the miners back to Anchorhead and turned in the many gaffi sticks which earned a fair amount of credits.
"Good work, and I expect there will be many more once you wipe out the rest of the tribe," the Czerka protocol officer said.
Calak had to resist the urge to argue. Czerka would probably not support a peaceful solution, they hadn't when the Duros conservationist tried to come to one. If Calak were to bring it up who knew what they'd do after that? They might try to hire someone else who would do the dirty work without any sort of regret or conscience. He would have to act quickly. The crew of the Ebon Hawk returned to their ship and were relieved to feel the cooling systems activating after spending all day in the hot dessert.
"Everyone get some rest," Calak said as they finished dinner. "We're going to head out into the desert tomorrow again. This time early so we can beat the heat."
"And then spend even longer in it?" Mission asked.
"If we have to," Bastila said. "Its our duty."
"Your duty," Canderous said. "I for one am not obligated to travel through a hot desert for a Republic I don't care for."
Carth frowned at that being a soldier of the Republic. "Maybe we should have destroyed your people all the way. I'm sure if a war comes between us again we won't make that mistake again."
"I agree!" Juhani said. "Your people should have perished in the Unknown Regions and Revan should have returned a hero!"
"We never went to the Unknown Regions! At least my clan didn't! Maybe some did but they must have been crazy, going into uncharted space!" Canderous countered.
"Enough!" Calak put his hands up. "Whether we like it or not we are all in this together. For whatever reason, to defend what we love, glory, or revenge."
He looked at Carth, Canderous and Mission who all fought the Sith for those three reasons.
"We must stay united," Calak continued.
"He's right," Bastila agreed. "The council believes our mission is the key to victory. We cannot overcome the Sith with numbers or might. If the Star Forge is source of the enemy's strength our only hope is to destroy it."
Canderous, Carth and Juhani all took deep breaths to calm themselves.
"Well let's get some shut eye," Carth grumbled.
"Arr!" Zalbaar groaned.
"Statement: I will shut down and home to dream of slaughter tonight," HK said.
T3 beeped. The two droids shut down. The girls headed to the refresher and washed themselves. Calak felt a slight desire to try and sneak a peak, primarily toward Bastila, whom felt drawn to. But he scoffed it off, wouldn't be decent. The three human females all waited till the three females of different species emerged in towels before heading to their quarters on the right side of the ship. The three men took their turn, Zalbaar didn't go as Wookie's didn't bathe unless they really had to, which kind of made it a surprise Zalbaar didn't smell.
They washed themselves of the sand, sweat, and blood from their bodies then collapsed into their beds. Hopefully they'd be able to negotiate with the Sand People and then find the Star Map no problem.
…
Calo Nord's ship arrived in the spaceport of another city on Tatooine. He disembarked and looked at a map of the small city.
"I'll have to hire some extra guns," the Bounty Hunter said. "And get some transports as well if I'm going to go up against a Jedi."
He was confident that he could handle one Jedi on his own, but he knew she had formidable allies, and Malak had suspected there would be at least more Jedi among Bastila's group now. He'd killed them all, no matter what. Then he'd kill the surviving hired help to avoid splitting his profits.
…
After resting on their ship, Calak and the others made their way back through the Dune Sea the next morning before the twin suns could rise. Calak wanted to get back to where they were before the desert grew too hot. They were fortunate to reach the Sandcrawler from yesterday as the suns fully rose. Walking past it they continued for another mile or so, scouting the near endless dunes. They did see another group of Hulak Wraids in the distance but as the Sand People were the main priority today the group decided to leave those creatures in peace.
"Those would probably make good target practice," Canderous said.
"Save our ammo for the major enemies," Carth said. "We don't need to pick fights for the heck of it."
Canderous scoffed. "A warrior does not hide from a fight, he seeks them. Soldiers are soft, fighting only when their comes under attack."
"At least soldiers aren't evil like you!" Juhani snapped. "My people call ourselves warriors as well but we never attacked innocents. No, your people are not honorable warriors. You were savage barbarians!"
"Proud Statement: I support the Mandalorian in this! There is nothing better then to be free from the constraints of morals!" HK-47 said.
"Without morals then we are no better than the Sith!" Carth objected. "Calak I think we should reprogram this droid and ditch the Mandalorian."
Calak gritted his teeth. "That's enough all of you! We might not like each other, but we can't afford to fight amongst ourselves! Canderous has proven he is on our side. He chose us over fellow Mandalorians on Dantooine!"
Carth and Juhani looked down.
"Well maybe he does have some small fraction of honor," Juhani grudgingly admitted.
"I say we repair the droid and make it an honorable one of the Republic," Carth said.
"Objection: I will not have my programming handled by unskilled meatbags."
T3 beeped.
"Or lesser skilled droids," HK added.
Calak sighed. "Enough! Let's just… focus on the mission."
"Yes, this is a distraction," Bastila agreed.
"They continued walking and soon saw some figures in the distance. Calak took out some binoculars and looked.
"Tuskens," he told the others. "And an awful lot. About ten."
"That must be the checkpoint before their enclave," Carth said. "Had to be heavily guarded."
"Well, we got one two, three four… nine!" Mission counted off. "And three of us are Jedi. We managed to take on about thirty yesterday remember? This will be no problem."
Calak nodded. "Just to be sure though, I want you to sneak ahead and get behind them. Once we start attacking you start coming from behind, nice and quiet."
"You got it," Mission agreed as she activated her stealth field generator.
They waited for a while and then moved forward once they were certain enough time had passed for Mission to reach the Tuskens. Lightsaber blades and energy shields lit up, blaster bolts fired from the soldiers. Calak had brought his own rifle as well and still wore his green jungle gear, but the lightsaber was still a dominating weapon. Maybe another time.
Each member of the Ebon Hawk targeted a single Tusken. These were all elite warriors, but so was Canderous, and Carth (an elite soldier that was), Zalbaar was also fairly skilled with both his bowcaster and a sword. T3 wasn't a droid that specialized in combat like HK, but he did have decent offensive capabilities such as grenades stored in his compartments. He threw a plasma one out and coated his Tusken in fire. The others were gunned or cut down by blasters and lightsabers, and one was stabbed in the back by Mission's vibroblade. The Tuskens were dead, this left the sentient beings free to loot their remains and take their robes.
They all changed, putting the robes over their clothes. Now they looked just like Tuskens. They also took their gaffi sticks as well to ensure a successful resemblance. There was a slight problem though in the form of Zalbaar. Even the largest Tusken would never wear robes that could fit a wookie standing at over seven feet tall. Also the droids couldn't hope to put on the robes.
"We'll have to either send them back or find some way to bring them with us without drawing suspicion," Carth said.
"But if we send HK back we lose our only chance to negotiate," Bastila said before looking down. "Yet if they see an assassin droid or even an astromech coming they'll know something is up."
Calak thought for a moment. "Maybe not. If we deactivate the droids and make Zalbaar look like a prisoner we might be able to pull it off. We can reactivate them when we are close enough."
The crew nodded. They pressed the off switch on the droids and turned their gaffi sticks on Zalbaar as if he were a prisoner. They knew the Tuskens took those at least since Griff was one. They continued forward and soon saw a large structure in the sand on top of a hill. They walked up to the entrance, passing several Tuskens and a few land mine traps as well, but they spotted them thanks to their past experience in being wary. Soon they reached the front door which was guarded by a pair of turrets. Thankfully those turrets were not active, and even if they were Calak was confident he could simply deflect the shots back with his lightsaber. They reactivated the droids who both hummed and lit up.
"HK, its all up to you. When we enter, you will communicate with the Sand People," Calak said. "Tell them we want peace."
"Reluctant Comply: Yes Master," HK agreed. "I would much prefer to make it blood. But you are the master and I obey."
Calak nodded. They entered the enclave. Inside was a lone guard who shouted in the Tusken language. It was obvious that he'd seen through the disguise and was calling for help, nearby Tuskens looked and readied their weapons. Calak and the others removed their hoods to reveal their human faces underneath.
The Sand People readied their weapons, but before they could attack HK spoke in their language. He emitted savage cries that were incomprehensible to the others. But the Tuskens understood it and hesitated to attack.
HK-47 then spoke in galactic basic. "I believe I have succeeded in confusing them, Master. We have shown an interest not common among outsiders. What shall I say next? Or would you prefer I slaughter them all with the element of surprise?"
Calak hesitated (and did his best to ignore the last suggestion), not taking his eyes off the Sand People. But then the Tusken closest to them spoke as well in his alien tongue.
HK translated. "He says his duty requires he report to his Chieftain, I believe he intends to grant us an audience, which he says is unheard of in living memory."
"Tell him to lead on in that case," Calak said.
HK emitted several Tusken cries and the Sand People all lowered their weapons. Calak and his crew had to hand over their own weapons, which made them uneasy, but if they wanted peace they had to comply. They were brought deeper into the enclave and into a room that belonged to the Chieftain, he was clad in a brown variant of the other Tusken robes. He growled in his native language, and even Calak couldn't understand his words he could tell that one thing was obvious. This Chieftain hated outsiders.
HK soon affirmed that. "He asks us to give him one good reason to not kill or enslave us."
Calak felt an urge to speak something threatening in return but took a breath to calm himself. "Because we want peace. Surely we can help them somehow. The… others will not be so open to a peaceful solution and will send a great army given the chance."
That might not happen right away but if Czerka got desperate enough it was possible. They had enslaved Wookies on Tatooine after all.
The Chieftain hesitated only slightly before speaking again.
"He claims he has no reason to believe you," HK translated. "Your kind have tainted this land with machines and uncaring ignorant feet. But he does not wish the possibility of his people eradicated and offers you an accord. He plans to move his people farther from Anchorhead but they need to build up stores of water. They need moisture vaporators to do so. If you can acquire those then he will agree to stop the attacks."
Calak nodded. "I agree to his terms."
The Chieftain was obviously suspicious but nodded in return and spoke.
"He says we are free to leave but will not be welcome unless we have the vaporators."
They were escorted outside and given back their weapons.
"My brother is still in there," Mission objected as they headed back across the desert.
"One thing at a time Mission," Calak said. "We can't break him out if we want to do this peacefully."
Mission frowned and gritted her teeth. "If those Sand People have killed him I swear I'll stab them all in the back with my stealth generator one by one!"
They made their way back to Anchorhead without incident and to Czerka Corporation. It was still early in the morning so they had no problem getting in.
"Ah, have you managed to kill more Tuskens?" the protocol officer asked when she saw them.
"No," Calak said.
The officer narrowed her eyes impatiently. "Well I hope you do soon. We lost another Sand Crawler yesterday. The miners survived but they're useless if they didn't dig up any ore or bring it back."
Yep, she was greedy and didn't care for life. Completely and openly corrupt, like this organization, or at least most of them.
Calak made his way to a counter nearby in the company office. It held the items that Czerka had for sale, including food, weapons, and more. Watching the store was a Rodian.
"Hello," she said in a rather friendly manner. "Anything I can get for you today?"
"Uh, yeah," Calak said. "I'm looking for some moisture vaporators."
Her big buglike eyes grew larger. "That's an unusual request. Those are devices usually owned by moisture farmers. But this is a dessert planet and just about anyone who lives here full time needs them. You don't look like a person who wishes to stay here though. As you are a Jedi."
She pointed to his lightsaber and Calak nodded.
"I always admired you Jedi. If you paid well, I would have probably worked for you somehow," the Rodian said.
Despite them being the protectors of the Republic, the Jedi did not pay very well for those that lived in their employ.
"These Czerka are so corrupt," the Rodian continued. "But I need the money and try to stay out of their more…illegitimate affairs."
Calak didn't have reason to suspect she was lying.
"So, moisture vaporators?" the Rodian said before walking a short distance in the storage section behind her and returning a moment later with a pair of boxes on a hovercart. "Here you are, but why do you need them?"
Calak decided he could probably tell her as she didn't seem like others. "Making a deal with the Sand People to lessen the attacks.
She smiled. "Ah exactly the kind of thing Czerka doesn't approve of, trading with savages. They hate several non-humans, especially ones that are not developed. If only humans were technologically advanced I dare say they would enslave all non humans."
Calak could agree. The Rodian shopkeeper then worked her computer.
"I'll give you a discount as this is to be used for Czerka's benefit. Our little secret," she whispered. "Just five hundred credits, two for the price of one!"
"Thanks," Calak said.
They took the moisture vaporators and headed back out into the scorching hot desert once again. When they arrived back at the enclave, the guard in front was surprised to see them back so soon. They were brought before the Chieftain after a few words from HK, and the Chieftain was very much surprised as well.
"He is surprised Master," HK said. "He wonders if we have the vaporators?"
"We do," Calak said gesturing to the hovercart which had been pulled by Zalbaar.
The Chieftain approached him and took the vaporators. He said nothing for a moment, setting the devices down and picking up a gaffi stick. For a moment Calak was afraid he would attack, but the Jedi sensed little (or at least contained) aggression as the chief approached again speaking in his tongue.
"He does not trust you Master," HK said. "But you have done more then any outsider. He will order his people to lessen the attacks, you are free to explore this enclave and ask certain things of him in regards to information on the planet and others. He also grants you his Chieftain's gaffi stick as reward."
Calak nodded as the Chieftain held out his stick. Calak took it and bowed his head as a show of respect. The Chieftain did the same.
"Just two more things then. First, I would like him to return any prisoners he has as well."
HK translated that and delivered the response. "He has several Jawas and a blue skinned tentacled meatbag prisoner. He says they have all served their purposed and will be released."
Calak nodded and offered a grateful smile. "Last thing then, I seek a Star Map on this world. Does he know anything about that."
HK inquired about that in Tusken and the chief replied. Soon HK translated. "He says that there is a Star Map located several miles away in the territory of another tribe to the east. They are more dangerous and he does not believe they will be willing to negotiate. He will give you a map to take with you. He also claims there is a Krayt Dragon living in the cave where the Star Map is now."
"A Krayt Dragon?" Bastila repeated.
Calak then remembered her father had come here looking for pearls from a Krayt Dragon but was killed. Could this be the same one that killed him? Seemed the force was guiding them to both their missions and to face their pasts. Calak wondered what might happen with the others.
"The Chieftain hopes you will die honorably at the very least." HK finished the translation.
"Uh, thanks," Calak said.
Seemed these Tuskens wouldn't be easily befriended. But the important thing was they had avoided bloodshed. The Chieftain soon handed Calak the map, a mere scroll. Then he had one of the guards escort them to the holding cells where the prisoners were kept. Soon the Jawas were released and then they saw-
"Griff!" Mission exclaimed as she saw a male blue Twi'lek like herself. "Its me Mission!"
"Mission?" Griff said in surprise before forming a smile. "Is it really you?"
"Yes!" Mission said running over to hug her brother.
"Oh I thought you were dead sis!" Griff said as he returned the hug. "When I heard Taris was destroyed. Oh I should have never left you behind. But you're alive. Oh joy of joys my little sister is alive!"
Missions smile faded and she looked down, unable to look him in the eye. "I have to ask you something Griff. Its important. I ran into Lena. She said it was your idea to leave me behind on Taris?"
Griff's eyes widened and he struggled to reply. "Well… there's the truth and there's the truth."
Mission looked at him in shock. "You mean its true?"
He only looked down in response.
"I'm your little sister Griff!" she snapped. "How could you just abandon me like that?!"
"Come on sis! I taught you everything you knew!" Griff spoke up in defense of himself. "You obviously made it far. All the way here to rescue me! I knew you'd be okay on your own! I wish I could make it up to you but I don't have any credits? You got any you can spare?"
"You're hitting me off for credits?" Mission said in disgust.
"Just like my mother," Bastila muttered.
"I can't believe this! Lena was right about you Griff! I guess I was blinded by jealousy back when I first met her! Now I wish I'd never hated her and given her a chance! You're nothing but a deadbeat brother!" Mission shouted.
Griff sighed. "Guess I deserved that."
"Well you can find your way back to Anchorhead on your own I'm sure," Calak said.
"What no speeder escort?" Griff complained.
"We all walked here ourselves! Twice!" Carth said. "Grow a spine! You're not gonna get rich by scheming! Crime doesn't pay! Hard work does!"
Griff shook his head. "Maybe. But I still one more idea to try. Maybe you can help me. I really need it."
Calak frowned. "Why should I help you?"
Griff sighed once again. "Well, this plan could really turn a major profit if it works. But if not… I'm probably a dead man even once I get out of here."
Calak could sense his fear. "Alright, in that case I guess I'll help. But you're still a scumbag."
"I know," Griff said as he walked past them.
"Well, now that the Sand People are dealt with we should see if we can find the Star Map," Bastila said.